A GEORGE II WALNUT AND PARCEL GILT CARD TABLE ATTRIBUTED TO

Note: The unusual elongated cabriole legs and the exquisite carving relate to a group of furniture supplied by Paul Saunders to Holkham Hall, Norfolk, England, where some of the carved elements are also parcel gilt.
This outstanding mid 18th century Chippendale period carved walnut and parcel gilt card table, attributed to Paul Saunders, retains most of the original gilding. The table has a fold-over top with a ribbon and flower carved edge and lined with dark green baize, on a concertina-action cross-veneered frieze. The triple fluted cabriole legs have an acanthus clasp to each knee and foliate carved corner angles, and terminate in scroll toes.
By about 1740 an import duty had been introduced on walnut to promote the use of mahogany from the British colonies. Whilst most furniture of this period would consequently have been constructed from mahogany, a very few examples made of the more expensive walnut do exist.

Literature: Anthony Coleridge, Chippendale Furniture, 1968, illus. 378-9.
Ronald Phillips Ltd., ‘Fine Antique English Furniture’, catalogue, 2007, p. 62; a pair of chairs with comparable legs.
Ronald Phillips Ltd., ‘Fine Antique English Furniture’, catalogue, 2009, p. 52; a pair of parcel gilt chairs.
Ronald Phillips Ltd., ‘Fine Antique English Furniture’, catalogue, 2010, p. 156; a stool attributed to Paul Saunders.
Illustrated:
R. W. Symonds, Veneered Walnut Furniture, 1946, illus. 51.